Pacemaker at 21

I received my pacemaker in September of last year after a spontaneous 13 seconds of asystole. In November I had a lead revision. After the lead revision the incision site became infected, the wound dehissed, and after a month, finally healed leaving me with a large scar across the left side of my chest. All before my 22nd birthday.

I was having a hard time dealing with the fact that I needed the pacemaker to begin with. I am 21. A collegiate level swimmer, and runner. I do not drink, smoke, or use any type of drugs. I eat well and in general take care of myself, so the idea of needing a pacemaker was hard for me to wrap my head around.

My cardiologist has yet to make a diagnosis, more than what the one I was given as a child for fainting: vasovagal syncope. I have never heard of anyone needing a pacemaker for vasovagal syncope, yet my doctors tell me it is very common.

Lately, I have been having a hard time dealing with their diagnosis, or lack-there-of, and dealing with having the pm. People constantly ask me about it, and I have had several people make very nasty comments about what an "ugly scar" I have. If anyone has had similar problems, or has advice on how do deal with the feelings I am having about needing the pm, it would be greatly appreciated.

5 Comments

Hi and Welcome!

by tcrabtree85 - 2011-01-06 01:01:17

Hi I was 21 when I got my pm. I am 25 now. I have a infection also and have two very ugly scars. It is hard but you will get better with dealing with it.
If you would like to talk more just send me a message. Look forward to hearing from you and hearing more of your story.

Tammy

uugly scar

by kathykat11 - 2011-01-06 01:01:22

I can identify with the ugly scar, at 20 I had my first heart surgery 10 inch seam down the middle of my very skinny chest. only one person had a negative comment about my ugly scar, but it was a boy,I really liked and it really hurt me. Fortunately, I reacted with anger and told him if he didn't like the view turn his head. My scar is the result of staying alive and was permanent ...his bad manners could change and I hoped they would. He stomped off and apparently said something to someone else or just rethought his bad attitiude but he apologised later. It has been over 30 years and 4 more heart surgeries and the scar I have now would really gross him out!!! It is a heck of a lot longer. Perhaps you can eventually get the scar revised but for now be glad they were able to bring you back. Scarred or not you are valuable.
I am not impressed with the state of the world that people feel it is okay to make comments on negatives that are obviously not the choice of the person they happened to. I mean seroiously would you have chosen a big ugly scar as opposed to a tiny discreet one? I am still in pain from the pacemaker I had put in in Septemberand have an appointment for tomorrow to see about getting it moved to a less painful place.
Keep your chin up.
Kathykat11

Having a hard time......

by Pookie - 2011-01-06 04:01:55

I too had a hard time wrapping my head around having a pacemaker and I was 42 at the time. I really thought it was because I was getting "old"...lol. I’m almost 49 now.

I received my pacemaker initially for Bradycardia since then I have been diagnosed with:

1) Neurocardiogenic Syncope (same as Vaso - vagal)
2) Junctional Rhythm
3) Sick Sinus Syndrome
4) Hypotension Intolerance

Lots of members on this site have pacemakers because of Vaso-Vagal, and a lot of them are quite young. I do know that your settings can play a huge factor in determining how you feel too, so try and educate yourself as much as possible and ask questions up the ying yang about your Rate Response features.

As far as wrapping your head around your now having a pacemaker - perhaps you could talk to a psychiatrist or psychologist? I know a lot of us do and it does help!!!!

But remember - we’re all here to support you as well:)

Just try and get back to your normal routine and in time things should get back to "normal".

As far as other people making weird or nasty comments about your scar - silence is golden - just pretend you didn’t even hear them!!! Then it will be them who will feel really stupid and awkward...lol.

Hugs,
Pookie

A few things to keep in mind

by ElectricFrank - 2011-01-07 12:01:01

You are really fortunate to live in this high tech age. Keep in mind that 50-60 years ago people in their 20's weren't going around with pacers...they were dead.

I had a high school friend of mine in the late 1940's who was found in his bed. That was in the days before street drugs and they said he had "heart failure".

Keep in mind that the comments about the scar are likely the persons feeling about maybe having the same thing happen to them. It also sounds like a botched surgery. I've noticed from the posts here that infections are more common in younger persons. I have no idea why.

For you being at an age where looks are really important I would suggest checking into having a plastic surgeon look at the scare and see what can be done. It's important to feel good about yourself.

As an old codger in my 80's I feel good about myself that my pacer scar is all I have. Most of my friends look like they need to have zippers installed. LOL

best wishes,

frank

Youngen with a pacemaker!

by Andrea81288 - 2011-01-07 12:01:51

I was only 20 when I got my pacemaker implantation. I was really nervous about getting it becaues of the scar and because of restrictions. I have had it for almost 2 years now and I have not had any restrictions from anything and my scar is barely visible. I am so glad I got it!

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